A blog about discovering the South West coast for nature lovers and adventure seekers. If you enjoy activities on the water, by the water and in the water, or celebrate it in words, pictures, art and literature, this blog is about you. For the people, by the people that love the South West coast #ILoveSWcoast

Our walk of the month takes in the beautiful Rame Head peninsula on Cornwall’s south east coast, which juts out into the Channel close to the mouth of the Tamar Estuary. Its southernmost point, Rame Head (pictured above by Tobie Loates), is topped by a tiny chapel dedicated to St. Michael. This is a gentle 3.6 mile walk from Kingsand, Cawsand to Penlee Point.

This is a perfect summer stroll that follows a high path over coastal heathland, where butterflies twirl above the wildflowers in the grass beside the path and the breathtaking views out across the English Channel give sight of an assortment of vessels, usually including warships lying at anchor or patrolling the Channel. In the eighteenth century this was prime smuggling country and the headquarters of Zephaniah Job’s notorious ‘West Country Free Trade’ enterprise. It was also a key area for the defence of Plymouth Sound’s south western approaches, and the walk passes several of the Rame peninsula’s military forts and batteries.

For just £20, you’ll receive the ‘Complete Guide’ to walking it and a year’s worth of news, reviews and discounts from selected partners that support the Association’s work including a 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoor.

Like this:

A completer’s story by Gareth Lawless and Clare Bullimore
Stoke Climsland, Cornwall

Our Coast Path adventure covered 54 walks over 2½ years (March 2013 to September 2015). We walked the trail in sequence but in the slightly more unconventional direction (Poole Harbour to Minehead). We mainly used public transport to get ourselves in position and would encourage anyone to do the same; it adds to the experience. Getting to places in plenty of time and buying a latte while we waited for the bus became a regular occurrence. The traveline site is great for planning and, despite catching 56 buses and 3 trains, they didn’t let us down once (though there were a few close shaves).

Looking back, we would find it difficult to single out highlights. A couple of patches stick in our minds owing to their sheer splendour. Torcross to Bigbury (in particular Start Point, Bolt Tail and Bantham) is simply stunning as is Godrevy to Perranporth (and I’m thinking of all of the seals at Godrevy Point, the sublime Trevaunance Cove and the mines at St Agnes’ Head). We also have fond memories of looking across to Lundy Island and South Wales when they came into view. Oh, and Marazion… and, Dartmouth, Lulworth, Dodman Point, the trains at Dawlish… I should stop now. We really could go on.

We walked the tough-going stretch between Rock and Hartland Point in the 2015 winter months and, while our legs certainly knew we’d been on those walks, it was rewarding and invigorating all the same. But I should also mention the patches Clare enjoyed less (I still appreciated them). This usually involved long, meandering treks through view-blocking woodland at the end of long walks. Undercliff, Maidencombe and Culbone: we’re thinking of you.

At the start of this journey one of us was more keen than the other but we’re both thrilled that we completed it.

Our proximity to the path means we will always return and can do so in a more relaxed manner, allowing more time to savour it without the pressures of getting the miles in. Our appreciation of the path, and of the Association‘s work to protect and preserve it, won’t subside.